The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of four different follow-up strategies on postoperative recovery following vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions. Furthermore the investigators aim to examine associations between preoperative thresholds for pain (thermal and pressure) and postoperative pain and development of chronic pelvic pain after benign hysterectomy.

Quality of life [ Time Frame: Six weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

The Euroqol questionnaire form (EQ-5D) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) are used for assessing the quality of life. Assessments preoperatively, once daily the first week postoperatively and then once weekly for additional five weeks.

In Arm A: The patient do not have planned contacts with the study nurse or doctor after discharge. All patients are seen by the study nurse six weeks postoperatively.

Behavioral: No contact after discharge

Active Comparator: Single telephone contact

In Arm B: The patient has one planned telephone contact with the study nurse the day after discharge. All patients are seen by the study nurse six weeks postoperatively.

Behavioral: Follow-up strategy

Comparison of different follow-up strategies

Active Comparator: Telephone contacts regularly

In Arm C: The patient has planned telephone contacts with the study nurse the day after discharge and then once weekly until the six weeks follow-up visit postoperatively.

Behavioral: Follow-up strategy

Comparison of different follow-up strategies

Active Comparator: Telephone contact using CBT-inspired strategy

In Arm C: The patient has planned telephone contacts with the study nurse the day after discharge and then once weekly until the six weeks follow-up visit postoperatively. At these telephone contacts the study nurse uses a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)-inspired strategy in counselling and support.

Behavioral: Follow-up strategy

Comparison of different follow-up strategies

Detailed Description:

Contact sponsor if detailed information is requested.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 60 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Women between 18 and 60 years of age.

Women who are scheduled for vaginal or abdominal total or subtotal hysterectomy for benign gynecological diseases (including cervical dysplasia).

Women who understand and speak Swedish fluently.

Women who gives signed informed consent to participate in the study.

Women who have access to a telephone and/or internet.

Exclusion Criteria:

Women where the hysterectomy is carried out in association with surgery for genital prolapse

Women with genital malignancies (does not include cervical dysplasia).

Women where the operation is planned or expected to comprise more than the hysterectomy with or without unilateral salpingooophorectomy and appendectomy en passant.

Women with previous bilateral salpingooophorectomy.

Women who are physically disabled to a degree so that mobilization postoperatively cannot be expected as for a normal individual.

Women who are mentally disabled to a degree so she cannot complete the forms in the study or understand the tenor of the participation or it is considered doubtful from an ethical point of view to participate.

Women with psychiatric disease or is on medication for severe psychiatric disease so that the physician consider participation in the study unsuitable.

Women with current drug or alcohol abuse.

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01526668